African Union and UNDP discuss cooperation on infrastructure, energy and digitalisation

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

The African Union Commission has held a high-level strategic meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at strengthening cooperation across Africa’s infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation priorities.

The discussions brought together H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, and Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme.

The dialogue focused on aligning UNDP initiatives with flagship programmes of the African Union, particularly within the framework of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063. Both parties explored areas where joint interventions could accelerate development outcomes and improve resilience across key sectors.

Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks, with attention given to expanding off-grid electrification, addressing energy access for humanitarian contexts, and advancing clean cooking solutions alongside modern bioenergy technologies. Sustainable transport also formed part of the agenda, including policy and investment support for e-mobility, non-motorised transport systems, and the adoption of sustainable fuels.

Digital transformation was identified as another priority area, with discussions centring on capacity building in artificial intelligence and digital systems, as well as enabling the deployment of AI-driven applications and infrastructure across the continent.

Both institutions underscored that progress in transport, energy, and digitalisation depends on coordinated policies, financing mechanisms, skills development, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration in support of Africa’s long-term development objectives.

The engagement took place in Addis Ababa.